Credit

Caption

European scorpion (Buthus sp.). This scorpion is found mainly around the Mediterranean sea. Scorpions are arachnids that are found in warm, dry areas of the world. They are normally nocturnal, feeding mainly on spiders and insects. The long, curled abdomen bears a sting (upper right) that is used to paralyse or kill prey, although the venom of this species would not harm a human. The prey is held in the large pincers (centre left), which may also be used in defence.